Gum irritation occurs when the peroxide whitening agent makes contact with the sensitive gum tissue. It is a type of chemical burn and might feel like a sunburn. Your gums might feel sore and turn red or white where the peroxide contacted them. Over time, the damaged tissue will peel away, and the tissue will return to normal. You might need to discontinue the use of whitening products until the tissue has fully healed. You can use a salt water rinse to soothe the irritated tissue.
To reduce the risk of whitening-related gum irritation, use custom-fit professional mouth trays and do not overfill them. Wipe off any excess whitening gel using cotton balls or cotton-tipped applicators. In-office whitening treatments are the least likely to cause gum irritations, as they involve a special preparation step that protects the gums from the peroxide. Call us today to learn more or to schedule your whitening consultation with our tooth whitening doctor in Los Angeles.